Omoluabi Progressives, on Sunday, raised the alarm over an alleged coordinated attempt to eliminate former Minister of Interior and ex-governor of Osun State, Rauf Aregbesola.
In a statement signed by its spokesperson and organising secretary, Oluwaseun Abosede and obtained, the group said recent incidents point to a political and physical campaign to silence the former Minister.
The Omoluabi Progressives alleged that inflammatory remarks, veiled threats and state-backed actions, had combined to fuel suspicion of a wider agenda against Aregbesola.
The statement read, “Taken together, these developments raise genuine fears that a sinister agenda is being orchestrated to silence him permanently under the guise of politics.
“Yoruba Nation agitator, Sunday Igboho, made a declaration at a rally on July 23, 2025, interpreted as a call for violence. He reportedly stated in Yoruba, ‘Ilẹ o mú wọn’ meaning ‘the land will consume them’, a phrase the group said was directed at Aregbesola.”
The group also cited a social media post on August 2, 2025, in which journalist, Mayor Akinpelu wrote, “No man could repay good with evil and get away with it.”
The Omoluabi Progressives noted that the article, amplified by Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, suggested dire consequences for Aregbesola.
The group said such rhetoric amounted to incitement to violence, adding that tension arose on August 14, 2025, when a journalist, Gbonka Ebiri allegedly described Aregbesola as a sell-out and called for him to face the wrath of Yorubaland.
On the same day, Omoluabi Progressives alleged, “police operatives with an Armoured Personnel Carrier disrupted an African Democratic Congress rally in Sagamu, Ogun State.
“The event was scheduled to be addressed by Aregbesola in support of Hon. Solomon Oluwaseyi Osho, candidate in the House of Representatives by-election.
“The venue was reportedly vandalised, equipment seized and Aregbesola prevented from attending the event.”
The group said police attempts to downplay the disruption only deepened suspicion of political interference.
It described the pattern of rhetoric and physical obstruction as the anatomy of assassination politics and called for urgent action to ensure the safety of the former governor.
The group aligned itself with the Coalition of Oodua Self-Determination Groups, which condemned the threats through its chairman, Dayo Ogunlana who said, “Yoruba politics must not descend into intimidation and violence.”
The statement, while highlighting Aregbesola’s contributions to Yoruba society, cited his reconciliation efforts within the Oodua People’s Congress and his developmental projects in Osun and Lagos States.
It stressed that Aregbesola had committed no offence in pursuing an independent political path and that his constitutional rights must be respected.
The Omoluabi Progressives also warned that any attempt to harm Aregbesola would be resisted.
It urged Nigerians to take note of remarks by appointees and supporters of President Bola Tinubu, urging security agencies to act decisively.
The statement further said, “The safety, dignity, and political rights of Yoruba leaders must not be sacrificed on the altar of opportunism.
“Any further escalation of threats could endanger Aregbesola and undermine peace in Yorubaland.”
